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CAF
7 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco vs Nigeria: Dreaming of One, Chasing 10
The TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 has reached the business end with hosts Morocco booking their spot in a second consecutive final where they will face nine-time record African champions Nigeria on Saturday, July 26 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams at the WAFCON with the Atlas Lionesses emerging victorious in their last meeting: a 5-4 win after a tense penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the semifinals of the WAFCON 2022 in Rabat. Rookies to serious title contenders When Morocco embarked on an intentional Women's Football Strategy five years ago, winning major trophies was part of the plan. And ahead of this weekend's final, it is not a surprise to any Moroccan that the team is standing up tall against the best teams in Africa. Prior to the 2022 edition, Morocco had made two appearances at the continent's biggest showpiece amassing a win and a draw in two editions – in 1998 and 2000 while conceding 22 goals and scoring five. In their third appearance – this time at home in front of their fans, they went to the final but fell to a very well-oiled South African side 1-2. They are back now – bigger, stronger and ready to fight again and give something to their fans who have filled the Olympic Stadium to the brim every match day in Rabat. The leadership of captain Ghizlane Chebbak, the individual brilliance and growth of Fatima Tagnaout, Sanaa Mssoudy, Ibtissam Jraidi and Sakina Ouzraoui within the team collective has been a revelation to the Moroccan fans who are now scrambling to buy tickets for the final to witness what could be history – a first WAFCON title. They believe their dreams are valid. An AFCON title in 1976 for the Atlas Lions is the best Morocco has amassed coupled with a first ever semifinal finish for an African team at a FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 is what the current generation can relate to as success for their football teams on the global scene. The weight of these dreams is what the Atlas Lionesses believe they can deliver when they come up against a resilient and dominant Nigerian outfit. Their journey in 2025 has been yet another fairytale – coming from behind twice to hold a strong Zambian side to a 2-2 draw in their opener to seeing off DR Congo 4-2 thanks to a Chebbak hattrick before edging Senegal 1-0 in a tightly contested game to finish top of Group A. The Atlas Lionesses looked comfortable as they cruised to a convincing 3-1 win against Mali to set up a date with Ghana in the semifinals. The Black Queens tested their resolve on the day, taking the game to extra time and penalties. It took goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi's magic to deny teenage sensation Comfort Yeboah and an Evelyn Badu miss earlier for the Atlas Lionesses to progress to the coveted final. In their journey to the final, Morocco have scored an impressive 11 goals while conceding in every match they have played – a total of six goals. Er-Rmichi is yet to keep a clean sheet. Whatever happens, Morocco have shown once again that they belong to the big stage after years of building a team that is hungry to write history. Mission X in sight Social media has been abuzz with talk of a Mission X for the Super Falcons of Nigeria for months now. All stakeholders are locked in on this undertaking. For the players, they have shown that they are the team to beat every time that they have stepped onto the field. Group B leaders after three games with seven points from a 3-0 win over Tunisia, a 1-0 victory over Botswana and a goalless draw with Algeria. The Super Falcons booked their place in the quarterfinals marking a 13th straight time that they have made it out of the group stages at the WAFCON since the first edition of the continent's biggest showpiece in 1998. A convincing 5-0 victory over Zambia in the last eight in what was anticipated to be a tightly contested encounter sent a clear message to any doubters that the Super Falcons are not only the most decorated team on the African continent – female or male but they are also serious title contenders. At the heart of this campaign, captain Rasheedat Ajibade has proven that pedigree and hunger for more success is what sets Nigeria apart – year in, year out. The 25-year-old, who features for Atletico Madrid in Spain, has earned three Woman of the Match Awards in five games – the only player to achieve this at the current edition. Ajibade, who won her first WAFCON in 2018 at the age of 18, will be key to her team's search for a 10th continental title to further extend their dominance in Africa. Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu, however, will also have to rely on the experience of the old guard including the reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie who has only conceded once this edition – a penalty from South Africa's Linda Motlhalo and the hunger of WAFCON debutants who have impressed so far like Assist Queen Esther Okoronkwo who has amassed four assists in five games. The Super Falcons have never lost a WAFCON final – nine finals and nine WAFCON titles. To say that this has been impressive over the last 12 editions is an understatement. However, against Morocco on Saturday, they will not only look for their 10th title but will also be motivated to protect their legacy.
Morocco World
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
What's Been Said After Morocco Beat Ghana?
Morocco secured its spot in the WAFCON final after beating Ghana 4-2 on penalties at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. The semi-final ended 1-1 in regular time, with Sakina Ouzraoui Diki scoring Morocco's equaliser and later being named Player of the Match. 'This trophy is for the team,' she told CAFOnline. 'They worked hard and gave everything. I am proud of my family. They push me forward a lot. This trophy is for them.' Morocco's coach Jorge Vilda congratulated Diki for the award, saying: 'Congratulations to Ouzraoui for the award. The Ghanaian team were physical, but we played collectively and eventually won.' Looking ahead to the final, Vilda said: 'I am thinking about the Nigerian team that we will be playing in the final.' This win against Ghana triggered wild celebrations in the Olympic Stadium. One fan wrote on social media: 'This is a motivational message to Walid Regragui and his squad! Bravo to the Lionesses!' Another added: 'You brought joy to our mothers. They prayed for you from the heart. Reaching the final alone is a huge achievement. Good luck, inshallah.' A third one said: 'Make us proud; we want this trophy to stay in Morocco. I believe in you!' Ghana, meanwhile, will play for third place in Casablanca. 'Final missed, but the mission's not over,' the team wrote on X. 'Bronze in sight. We move!' Fans of the Black Queens reacted with mixed feelings. One fan commented: 'Best of luck next time. You did well. Keep your spirits high, girls! There's always a next time to shine!' Another criticised the coaching decisions and sloppy final product: 'The coach is useless… The substitutes he made show how poor our choice of coach was. If we had a more clinical forward, we would have been deadly against any opponent… But this was a good tournament for the ladies. Better luck next time!' Tags: GhanaMoroccoWAFCON 2024
CAF
18 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
Ouzraoui Diki: A Midfield Marvel Blending European Craft with Moroccan Passion
In one of the most captivating contests of the 2024 CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Sakina Ouzraoui Diki rose to the occasion on Tuesday, guiding Morocco to a hard-fought 1–1 draw with Ghana before edging the Black Queens 4–2 on penalties to reach their second consecutive WAFCON final. Her dominant second-half display, crowned with a well-taken equalizer, earned her the Player of the Match award and set up a tantalizing final against Nigeria. 'This trophy is for the team because without the team you would never be here or be the best or be anything. I am happy that I have this team. They worked hard and give everything on the pitch. We are going for the final,' Diki exclusively told 'I am proud about my family. They push me forward a lot. I think I have the best family in my life and in the world. They are always with me and supporting me. This trophy is for them because without them, I would never be here.' Blending Cultures, Building a Career: From Belgium to Spain Diki's journey to WAFCON stardom is shaped by an international upbringing and elite football education. Born in Spain, raised in Belgium, and a former youth international for the Red Flames at U16 and U18 levels, Diki has matured through top European systems—especially during a key development spell with Club Brugge. 'Belgium was also a great experience. It was not the best but great experience. I learnt a lot of things there. I think when I played for Club Brugge, it was my season there,' she opened up. 'I think I learned a lot and grew as a player and person. I learned one thing or the other from those experiences. Sometimes you play from the bench. Sometimes you are starting, but I am happy about my works there and at this WAFCON. I am so happy and Inshallah hope we win the title.' Now at Costa Adeje Tenerife in Spanish Liga F, Diki finds herself fulfilling a personal ambition while writing a new chapter with Morocco on the continental stage. Vildah Extols Diki's Late Semifinal Match-Winner Diki's powerful finish in the second half pulled the hosts level, while Morocco trailed early after Stella Nyamekye converted a first-half penalty for Ghana. With the score locked at 1–1 after regulation, the Atlas Lionesses held their nerve in the shootout to win 4–2 and seal a rematch with Nigeria—the team they narrowly defeated via penalties in the 2022 semifinals. 'I want to say congratulations to Ouzraoui for the award. She played a crucial role in our win over Ghana and the victory was very well fought for. The Ghanaian team were physical but we played collectively and eventually won,' said Morocco coach Jorge Vilda. 'We worked hard to make it to the final. I am thinking about the Nigerian team that we will be playing in the final. I think she and everyone in the team worked hard to be in the final.' Familiar Faces Await as Morocco Set Sights on Nigeria The final clash with Nigeria will be a personal one for Diki, who will come up against country of her former club teammate Gift Monday and current Tenerife colleague Rinsola Babajide. Despite the stakes, she speaks with admiration and deep respect for both players and the Nigerian team at large. 'I have a lot of respect for Nigerian people. They are really respectful. Gift Monday is my friend and a good person. Really good football player. Unfortunate that she is not at this WAFCON. That's football. All the best to Rinsola Babajide. Let's see on Saturday.' Her remarkable understanding of the Spanish style, combined with the North African spirit of Morocco, makes her a unique midfield force heading into Saturday's showdown. Family, Faith, and the Power of Support For Diki, her journey is not just about individual brilliance—it's about those who stand with her off the pitch. She attributes her success to a strong support system and a coach who has placed his full trust in her abilities. 'It makes it easy working with a Spanish coach. He is a good coach. Someone who give me a lot of confidence. He believes in me in this WAFCON. I am trying to give him back. I think I am doing well and trying to be better. I hope I help the team more in the final to win this trophy.' Her husband, Nabil Chajari, added a final touch of emotion and belief in her journey. 'She deserves it and worked hard because she had a good partner in her life who always pushes her to be better and best on the pitch,' he exclusively told "We deserve the title with the hard work of the team and Moroccan people behind the team pushing them to be champions.' With the final now set, Morocco vs Nigeria on Saturday night in Rabat, all eyes will be on Diki to once again lead by example and inspire the host nation to their first WAFCON title.
Ya Biladi
a day ago
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan women's football team reaches AFCON 2024 final after thrilling win over Ghana
The Moroccan women's football team has secured their spot in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2024, marking their second consecutive appearance after 2022. They clinched their place by overcoming Ghana in a tense penalty shootout (4-2 on penalties, 1-1 after extra time) on Tuesday night at Rabat's Olympic Stadium. Despite trailing in the first half, the Moroccan team demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, equalizing an hour into the match and ultimately earning their ticket to the final. There, they will face Nigeria, the nine-time African champions. Morocco has remained unbeaten in this AFCON, with a draw against Zambia (2-2), an impressive offensive display against DR Congo (4-2), a narrow victory over Senegal (1-0), and a controlled win against Mali in the quarterfinals (3-1). Although they encountered challenges against Ghana, they have now set the stage for a highly anticipated final against Nigeria, whom they eliminated in the semifinals of the previous edition. From the outset, the Moroccan team created several scoring opportunities, notably through Hanane Msoudi in the 5th minute and a shot from Hanane Aït Lhaj, which was deflected by the Ghanaian goalkeeper. The Black Queens were not passive, however, and attempted to challenge Khadija Rmichi. A shot from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah forced Rmichi to make a save in the 10th minute, followed by a dangerous attempt from Stella Nyamekye in the 14th minute. As the Moroccans sought to assert their dominance, Nyamekye managed to open the scoring for Ghana in the 26th minute. After the break, national coach Jorge Vilda made several changes to invigorate the midfield, notably bringing on Najat Badri, who nearly scored in the 51st minute. The numerous opportunities for the Moroccans finally paid off in the 55th minute with an equalizer from Sakina Azraoui. During extra time, the changes made by Jorge Vilda, including the introduction of Fatima Tagnaout and Imane Saoud, were not enough to alter the course of the match, despite clear Moroccan dominance. The penalty shootout provided another chance for the Atlas Lionesses to display their skill and composure, as the Moroccan players converted all their shots (4 out of 4), compared to 2 missed by the Ghanaians. The final between Morocco and Nigeria, who earlier in the day eliminated South Africa (2-1), is set for next Saturday (9:00 PM) at the Rabat Olympic Stadium. The third-place match between South Africa and Ghana will be played the day before.
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco edge Ghana in dramatic shootout to reach WAFCON final
Published: Tuesday, 22 July 2025 Hosts Morocco booked their place in a second successive Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final after edging Ghana 4-2 on penalties in a tense semi-final clash that ended 1-1 after extra time in Rabat on Tuesday night. The Atlas Lionesses held their nerve from the spot, with goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi making a crucial save and two Ghanaian players missing, to seal a place in Saturday's final against Nigeria. The defeat means Ghana must now battle South Africa in Friday's third-place playoff. In a fiercely contested match at Stade Moulay Abdellah, it was Ghana who struck first through Stella Nyamekye in the 26th minute. The midfielder pounced on a loose ball inside the box following a corner and fired past Er-Rmichi to give the Black Queens a deserved lead. The goal capped a bright start for Kim Björkegren's side, who looked more composed and energetic in the opening half, creating several dangerous chances through Doris Boaduwaa, Princess Marfo and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah. Morocco, however, responded with increased urgency after the break. The home crowd roared them on and their efforts were rewarded in the 55th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki bundled the ball into the net from close range after sustained pressure and a deflected effort from Ibtissam Jraïdi. The equaliser energised the Atlas Lionesses who began to dominate possession, but Ghana remained dangerous on the counter, with Princella Adubea and Alice Kusi coming close late in the game. Both sides had chances to win it in normal time, but neither could find a breakthrough. Extra time offered more drama as fatigue set in. Injuries forced multiple substitutions, with Morocco's Fatima Tagnaout and Ghana's Princella Adubea needing treatment. Ghana's Evelyn Badu missed a glorious chance in the 100th minute, heading wide from close range, while Alozie's speculative long-range effort in the final minutes went just over the bar. With the deadlock unresolved after 120 minutes, penalties were required to separate the two African powerhouses. Morocco's nerve held firm. Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari converted their spot-kicks, while Ghana missed twice—Evelyn Badu firing wide and Comfort Yeboah seeing her effort saved by Er-Rmichi. The final whistle triggered wild celebrations among the Moroccan players and fans as Jorge Vilda's team reached the final for the second tournament running. It's a result that continues Morocco's dream of lifting their first-ever WAFCON title on home soil. Ghana, meanwhile, will be left to rue their missed opportunities, but they still have a chance to end the tournament with a medal when they take on South Africa for third place on Friday.
